A Classic Bloody Mary is savory and a little spicy, with a refreshing kick that makes it a favorite cocktail for weekend brunch.
Remember to add this spicy Drink Recipe to your menu the next time you’re hosting brunch. For more drinks to add to your menu, try my Bellini.
Why You’ll Love Classic Bloody Mary?
- Easy to customize to your taste, whether you want it mild, very spicy, or with extra lemon and lime.
- Quick and simple to mix, making it an easy choice for brunch, or a relaxed weekend morning.
Sabrina’s Bloody Mary Recipe
Making a cocktail with tomato juice might sound unusual at first, but the savory, tangy flavor and spicy kick are exactly what makes the Classic Bloody Mary a brunch favorite. It pairs especially well with savory breakfast dishes like a Denver Omelette or Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole. However, I also like serving it alongside something sweet like Strawberry Pancakes for a little contrast. Half the fun of this drink is piling on the garnishes, so check out my Ideas to Serve section below for plenty of delicious ideas.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1 lime wedge
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces tomato juice
- 2 teaspoons horseradish
- 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Pour some celery salt onto a small plate.
- Rub the juicy side of the lemon or lime wedge along the lip of a pint glass.
- Roll the outer edge of the glass in celery salt until fully coated, then fill the glass with ice and set aside.
- Squeeze the lemon and lime wedges into a shaker and drop them in.
- Add the vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire, black pepper, paprika, plus a pinch of celery salt along with ice and shake gently.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with parsley sprig, 2 speared green olives, a lime wedge and a celery rib (optional).
Nutrition
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Chef’s Note
This is one of those cocktails that’s easy to adjust as you go. So add a little heat at a time and give it a taste before serving. You can always add a little more heat or seasoning, because it’s much harder to dial it back once everything is in the glass.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Mix all of the ingredients together, then store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to leave the ice out of the drink. Then remix and pour the mixture over ice before serving. To make for a crowd, multiply the ingredients by how many guests you’ll have. Store in a pitcher in the fridge to pour it into glasses for serving.
How to Store
- Serve: I like making this cocktail fresh, just a few minutes before serving.
- Store: If you want to make the drink in advance, mix the ingredients together and then store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Table of contents
Ideas to Serve
- Cocktail Skewers: Cocktail Skewers, Cocktail Picks, or Bamboo Cocktail Skewers are great for drinks with several garnishes. Add skewers to your drink with some of the garnish ideas below on them.
- Dill Pickle Spears: A great pairing with tomato, as dill’s herbal and tangy flavor complements the cocktail.
- Cocktail Onions: Adds a sweet and slightly sharp flavor, which works well.
- Cherry Tomatoes: A fun touch! They bring sweetness and color to the drink while echoing the tomato base.
- Garlic-Stuffed Green Olives: The garlic–stuffed olives add an extra burst of flavor and punch.
- Pickled Vegetables: Great for a tangy, crunchy contrast to the drink’s richness. Pickled asparagus, green beans, okra, or jalapeños work well here.
- Cubes of Cheese: Cheese adds a creamy element, and something like cheddar or gouda could complement the drink’s flavors nicely.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, smoky touch. It’s a bold and unexpected garnish, but it’s an excellent match.
- Shrimp: Shrimp adds a briny, sweet element that complements the tomato’s savory profile.
- Fresh Dill: A garnish that reinforces the herbaceous dill flavor and ties the drink together beautifully.
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